Huayu Entertainment: You have been directing for three generations, are you comparing your qualifica

Chapter 95 Domestic Reactions
The 6th, the day after the signing.

Mike Burns told Tian Xiaole that, while the hype surrounding "Saw" was still going strong, the filming of "Dead Silence" had entered the pre-production stage.

Given Hollywood's mature industry, it shouldn't be too long before it's released, possibly in the second half of the year.

The production budget for "The Shallows" has also been released, with an initial investment of $1000 million, which can be considered a small to medium-sized project.

The most expensive part of the entire film was the shark special effects, which were estimated to cost $400 million.

The remaining 600 million is the budget available for the entire series, but it's enough.

The film's biggest selling point is the sharks, followed by the sexy women.

The success of "The Shallows" will determine whether Tian Xiaole can break into Hollywood.

If they fail, they'll have no choice but to slink back to China like Wu Yusen.

···
The Hollywood media report was reprinted back to China, causing an uproar.

"Tian Xiaole, the youngest director in China, has signed a two-film contract with Lionsgate."

"Was Tian Xiaole a perfect fit for Hollywood, or did he struggle to adapt?"

The domestic film and television industry is in an uproar

Almost everyone knows about Tian Xiaole's collaboration with Lionsgate.

He was also the first director from mainland China to sign a contract with a Hollywood film company, and for two films at that.

He participated in Hollywood film production in four roles: investor, producer, director, and screenwriter.

Neither Zhang Yimou nor Chen Kaige has ever done it.

"Still haven't been able to get in touch?"

Han Sanping paced anxiously in his office, as China Film Group Corporation had always shouldered the important responsibility of promoting Chinese culture overseas.

Even among Chinese actors, there aren't many who have made it in Hollywood, yet Tian Xiaole manages to hold four different roles. He really wanted to know how he did it.

If Tian Xiaole can establish himself in Hollywood, it will be equivalent to giving domestic film and television companies a gateway to the international market.

This will allow China to export its culture to Hollywood.

Therefore, Han Sanping was more anxious than anyone else. He didn't want an investment share; he just wanted to know if he needed as much help as possible.

"Chairman Han, it's late at night over there."

The secretary replied in a low voice.

"Then keep an eye on the time and contact Xiao Le as soon as possible."

···
Fan Binbin looked at the news report with an expression of disbelief.

She provided such excellent and attentive service, yet this man wouldn't even reveal a single piece of information.

I contacted Tian Xiaole immediately, and it turns out he has two collaborative projects with Lionsgate, so does that mean...?

Fan Binbin shared similar thoughts with a group of female celebrities, including Tang Yan, Wang Luodan, and Huang Shengyi, with whom she had in-depth conversations.

Even Jun Ji-hyun, who was far away in South Korea, was summoned by CJ Corporation for questioning, who asked her if she could contact Tian Xiaole, as CJ also coveted the investment share of the two projects.

"Still no luck?"

Wang Zhongjun looked at his younger brother and asked.

When I saw the news report, I wanted to verify its authenticity as soon as possible, but I couldn't get through to Tian Xiaole's phone.

There is no possibility of Huayi and Wang Jinghua collaborating again. If they can get on Tian Xiaole's ship, they would not mind losing two more Wang Jinghuas.

Every domestic film and television company wants to earn US dollars in Hollywood, especially Huayi Brothers, which is in the process of preparing for its IPO.

"It's still prompting me to shut down," Wang Zhonglei said, shaking his head.

···
Morning in Los Angeles.

Tian Xiaole woke up alone in a five-star hotel bed, starting a new day and preparing for filming.

After washing up, he turned on his phone, knowing that if the news got back to China, it would definitely cause trouble, so he simply turned it off before going to sleep.

Sure enough, messages kept coming in.

Missed calls, text messages, QQ messages, etc.

It took a minute for things to quiet down.

Tian Xiaole first called Lao Tian back, explained the purpose of the cooperation, and described the subject matter of the film.

Before hanging up, Lao Tian offered a few words of encouragement, then warned him not to watch or touch horror movies.

Which director with impeccable political integrity would make that kind of film?

Han Sanping's phone call came in immediately afterward:

"Xiao Le, you've done something big without making a sound."

"It's just a normal collaboration, nothing special," Tian Xiaole said modestly.

Han Sanping first expressed his approval of the collaboration with Lionsgate, then praised Tian Xiaole for being young and energetic, and told him not to hesitate to ask for help if he encountered any difficulties, as China Film Group would provide assistance as much as possible.

After going around in circles for a while, Han Sanping finally asked:
"Xiao Le, with two projects underway, do you need any financial assistance from China Film Group?"

Tian Xiaole refused, and her reasons were quite valid.

"Uncle Han, Lionsgate only recognizes me, and this is our first collaboration. We'll have to wait until the movie is released and its box office performance has been tested by the market before we can consider further cooperation."

"Uncle Han believes in your abilities. If you need any help, just ask. Even if you fail, it's okay. You're still young and have plenty of opportunities."

The first half of the sentence is quite heartwarming, but why does the second half sound like it's offering comfort?
"Don't worry, Uncle Han, I know better than they do what Americans like. Besides oil, it's just..."

"Haha... As long as you have this mindset, that's fine."

After ending the call, Tian Xiaole called Wang Zhonglei back.

The same explanation was given, and Huayi's request to participate in the investment was rejected.

China Film Group is at least a state-owned enterprise, so it can provide assistance in certain aspects. Huayi Brothers, on the other hand, is useless except for spending money.

···
To make a movie, the first step is to assemble a crew. The system in Hollywood is completely different from that in China.

The crew can get all the necessary personnel and filming equipment by contacting the labor union directly.

The best way is to go directly to CAA, one of the four major Hollywood talent agencies.

CAA offers a one-stop package service. As long as the money is right, they can introduce relevant companies to handle everything from extras, filming, post-production, to release and distribution for a film.

One of the reasons why Hollywood's film and television industry is so developed is that there are no barriers to filmmaking.

This is also why Lionsgate had to compromise; making a movie is too easy.

The situation is different in China. Film and television resources are controlled by various circles. Without joining their circles, it's difficult to even gather all the necessary departments for a film crew, let alone make a movie.

Lionsgate suggests partnering directly with CAA, as they can provide a mature team and quickly gather all the people and resources needed for a film.

Tian Xiaole agreed, which saved a lot of time.

Before filming even began, CAA took a 10% commission on the $600 million production budget.

The advantage is that they will be in charge of all the staff, both on and off stage, including the machinery and equipment.

Of course, all actors' salaries need to be calculated separately.

Tian Xiaole informed them of the requirements for the female lead in "The Shallows".

A sexy and hot figure, young and beautiful, cheerful and lively personality, able to swim, and preferably with surfing experience is preferred.

In just one day, Tian Xiaole met the actress that CAA had found at Pangu Pictures. She was half a head taller than him.

He is nearly 1.8 meters tall, has a full head of golden hair, fair skin, and a very infectious smile.

How good are you at surfing?

"I'm an amateur, but I'm a great swimmer."

"This film is almost a one-man show, which places high demands on the actor. You can take a look at the script first to see if you are up to the task..."

The script was expanded by Tian Xiaole, but it only filled a dozen or so pages.

Blake Lively watched very carefully. She was able to get this opportunity because her parents were also CAA clients, which is why they recommended her.

It's the same all over the world; without connections and background, she wouldn't appear in front of Tian Xiaole.

The meeting room was quiet, except for the sound of Blake Lively turning the pages of the script.

It was a one-woman show entirely led by the female protagonist, and Blake realized that this was her chance.

Although both her parents work in the entertainment industry, she has never had the opportunity to travel abroad.

Before she arrived, CAA had introduced her to the production crew.

The film is co-funded by Lionsgate and directed by an incredibly young Cannes and Berlin award-winning director; she wants to make the most of this opportunity.

"Director, I am confident that I can play this role well, and my physical condition is in line with the description in the script."

Blake Lively spoke with great seriousness, and she proved her words were true through her actions.

In the script, the female lead sees the azure beach and smiles in amazement.

She took off her top, revealing her sexy and voluptuous figure in full view.

"Stop, stop..."

Tian Xiaole quickly called for a stop.

If he takes off any more clothes, he's afraid he won't be able to control himself and will end up auditioning on the red sofa.

But now is not the time, nor is it the time to enjoy it.

Moreover, Blake Lively was merely showcasing the plot; whether there were any other deeper meanings remains unknown.

Besides, without even knowing the other person's background, auditioning on the red sofa could easily offend someone.

“You got this role. During the pre-production period, improve your surfing skills. Also, your skin is too pale. I need a healthy tan.”

"Thank you, director. I will do my best."

Blake Lively picked up her clothes from the floor and bowed in gratitude.

"Time is limited, you need to familiarize yourself with the role as soon as possible."

The female lead is attacked by a shark, which is a real test of her acting skills without props.

Especially for Blake Lively, who has no acting experience, it all depends on the director's ability to guide her.

After seeing her off, Tian Xiaole carefully looked at her information. She was born in 87 and was only 18 years old this year.

My father was an actor, and my mother worked in casting for film crews.

"No wonder CAA recommended her."

Tian Xiaole smiled and shook his head, saying that no matter where you are, you have to consider personal relationships, connections, and background.

Thinking about the erotic scene just now, it's amazing how early 18-year-olds are in other countries. They're really well-developed and in the prime of their youth.

Unfortunately, Europeans and Americans have a very short flowering period; their skin starts to sag after just a few years.

···
The next day, Tian Xiaole went to Lionsgate. For the production of The Great White Shark, he needed them to recommend a reliable special effects company to collaborate with.

Lionsgate does not have its own special effects team. They have long collaborated with third-party companies and won orders through bidding, which saves them a lot of costs.

To ensure realistic special effects, a phased payment model was adopted, with payment based on the completion of each shot.

This is also Lionsgate's consistent approach to cooperation.

CAA acted quickly and found a suitable filming location on an island in Australia.

Most of the shots needed to be filmed on the beach.

For scenes in the ocean that are uncontrollable, such as reefs and shipwrecks, it is necessary to build 1/1 scale models to complete the filming.

(End of this chapter)